**spoiler alert** Rachel’s father is a missing courier for the city-state of Baalboden. The Commander, who rules the city-state in an a dictator fashi...more**spoiler alert** Rachel’s father is a missing courier for the city-state of Baalboden. The Commander, who rules the city-state in an a dictator fashion has him declared dead. Rachel is heartbroken and certain that her father is still alive. The Commander tells her that her new protector is not Oliver, the grandfather-like figure that has always been in her life, but rather her father’s apprentice Logan McEntire. Rachel bristles at the thought of Logan, a boy she declared her love for just two years earlier and rejected her, being her protector. However, there is little that can be done. Rachel plots a way to escape the city-state and go in search of her father, but is caught by the Commander’s soldiers. The Commander kills an innocent soldier and threatens Logan’s life to bring Rachel under control.
Rachel and Logan are determined her father is still alive and holds a secret the Commander very much wants. There attempts to escape are thwarted again and Rachel comes under control of the Commander while Logan is beaten and thrown into the dungeon. Rachel and Melkin, her forced traveling companion, strike out and encounter unfathomable dangers, including the Cursed One – a dragon-like worm that destroys everything in its wake. Logan, with the help of people who want him and Rachel to lead a revolt, escapes the dungeon to track down Rachel. The two return to Baalboden for a confrontation with the Commander in hopes of overthrowing him, but instead he disappears. With everything left in chaos, half of the people leave Baalboden and the other half throw their support behind Rachel and Logan.
This book is the first in a trilogy and will be great for those who liked Shatter Me and Under the Never Sky. Also, this is told in alternating voices of Rachel and Logan. (less)
**spoiler alert** Willa is fifteen and lives with her free-spirit artist mom. She has been to a dozen schools in her young life and is about to make t...more**spoiler alert** Willa is fifteen and lives with her free-spirit artist mom. She has been to a dozen schools in her young life and is about to make the move again from Colorado to Paradise Valley, Arizona. Paradise Valley is like no place they have ever been before. It is a town where wealth is a way of life -- for everyone. Willa's mom enrolls her in Paradise Valley Prep - an exclusive preparatory academy. For the first time, Willa is accepted into the "in crowd" known as the "Glitterati". Willa begins doing things she has never done before, like spending outrageous amounts of money on clothes to keep up with her new friends.
Life is good until Willa begins to read a school gossip blog trashing some new girls at school. They call them the "Busteds" because they are brought into the school from another district and are attending PV Prep on scholarship. Willa is even more upset when she overhears some of her new friends trashing these girls. Deciding to help them out, Willa takes on the persona of Robin Hood (after some training from a friend). All of the sudden the Busteds are a hit and the Glitterati are mad. When Willa finds out that one of her Glitterati buddies is the author of the gossip blog, she sees red and becomes reckless.
Willa's life spirals out of control when she is caught breaking into a friend's house and is forced to spend the night in Juvie. She is given community service which she serves with Aidan, a boy that annoys and intrigues her from PV Prep. She also finds out that half the school hates her and half the school considers her a hero and have even nicknamed her the "Sly Fox". Aidan drives her home from her first day of community service to find her house being ransacked by a mystery man. This is not the first mystery man in her life. Her mother has been meeting one and will tell Willa nothing about him. Willa and Aidan give chase to the man, but he gets away. When she comes back home, it is to see mom's mystery man driving off and a business card from an FBI agent under the doormat. Mom's mystery man?! And did I mention Aidan and the big kiss that makes her forget everything bad that has happened to her?
Cute read that girls grade 7+ will enjoy. There is some references to major parties and the drinking that goes on (for that reason might do a disclaimer to the younger girls). Otherwise cute and can't wait to see what happens in Pretty Sly with Willa and Aidan, her mom and the mystery FBI agent!(less)
**spoiler alert** Aria is a Dweller. One of thousands that believe the only way they can survive is by living in pods. Life would be boring if it were...more**spoiler alert** Aria is a Dweller. One of thousands that believe the only way they can survive is by living in pods. Life would be boring if it were not for the virtual realms they travel to via their Smarteye. The trouble begins for Aria when she entices a boy named Soren, whose father is high in the chain of command of the Reverie pod, to go exploring in a section of the pod that was destroyed by an aether storm. Aria just wants to question Soren about her mother. In turn Soren refuses to tell her anything and the boys light a real fire in the destroyed sector. Out of the five to survive, there is only Soren and Aria (Aria thanks to a Dweller who infiltrated the pod and rescued her). Soren blames the whole even on Aria and she is sent to “the Death Shop” (anything outside the pod).
Peregrine is an outsider with troubles of his own. He feels he should be the Blood Lord of his tribe, but refuses to challenge his brother for the sake of his nephew, Talon. When Talon is taken by the Dwellers, he believes it is his fault because he had invaded one of their pods not many days ago. When Vale, Peregrine’s brother, refuses to go after his own son, Peregrine leaves the tribe to save his nephew and finds Aria along the way. They recognize each other immediately, since he is the one who rescued her from the fire that killed the others. Unwilling to take her but unable to leave her behind, he reluctantly takes her with him, hoping to use her as a bargaining tool to win back his nephew.
This first book in the trilogy introduces the central pair and the trials they begin to face as they realize they have very few they can trust besides each other. The secondary characters that are introduced are not just thrown in, but build into the story. Towards the end of the book both become disillusioned with their lives and have to decide what course they are going to take. At the end of the book, the two go their separate ways; however, there is a cliff-hanger that suggests they have once again found one another. This will be a good series for readers who like the Dystopian societies and good for boys and girls because of the alternating chapters. (less)
Wow! Received this book in the mail for the library and was ready to see a mediocre book. Boy was I wrong! This is a great little book about the Texas...moreWow! Received this book in the mail for the library and was ready to see a mediocre book. Boy was I wrong! This is a great little book about the Texas economy. I can see having a copy in the library for the kids to look through and a copy for my economics teachers to use in class. The authors discuss how Texas has survived one of the harshest recessions to ever hit our country, and came out of it sooner than most states. Everything from big business to mom and pop operations are discussed. There are graphs and charts aplenty to show various concepts. Biographies of the movers and shakers of Texas and its economy are embedded within the book. I was ready to spend a few minutes skimming it and then set it aside without further thought. Instead, I found myself drawn into it, spending most of my day reading it and sharing interesting tidbits out of it with my assistant. Can't wait to share it with others!(less)
Team Human is a new and innovatively fun read about vampires and zombies. Mel is upset when her best friend, Cathy, falls for the new vampire at Craun...moreTeam Human is a new and innovatively fun read about vampires and zombies. Mel is upset when her best friend, Cathy, falls for the new vampire at Craunston High School. Francis is a vampire who was turned in the 1800s in London, England and he remains ever the proper English gentleman. Mel fears he is out not only to turn Cathy to the vampire world, but also involved in the strange behavior of Anna’s (another friend) mother who also happens to be the school principal. Then Anna asks for her help in finding out what has really happened to her father (she was told he was turned by a vampire, but she doesn’t believe it). During her investigation of Francis, she meets Kit, a human raised by a “Shade” (a.k.a family) of vampires, who also happens to be Francis’ Shade. Mel finds that she likes spending time with Kit, until he tells her he wants to turn into a vampire. Mel’s life begins to unwind as she loses control over all the situations she was so certain she could handle (i.e. Cathy and Francis, Anna’s mother, the mystery surrounding Anna’s father, and Kit wanting to become a vampire). Will she be strong enough to let her friends be who they want to be? Can she make them see the world as she sees it should be? Will they be able to save Anna’s father in time? Great little read about humans, vampires and zombies trying to live together harmoniously. (less)
Ismae is an outcast. She has been raised believing her mother went to the herb witch to have her aborted and that she lives with the resulting scar. E...moreIsmae is an outcast. She has been raised believing her mother went to the herb witch to have her aborted and that she lives with the resulting scar. Escaping a horrible marriage thanks to the very herb witch who tried to end her life, she is delivered to a convent that serves Saint Mortain (the Saint of Death) and is trained in all ways of killing. On every mission she is sent, she is to look for the marque (a dark smudge on the body of her victim) and then dispatch with that person. She is immune to poison, which makes it her most trusted weapon. While killing her second victim she meets Duval, a handsome man who makes her question the reasoning behind her kills (up to this point, the Abbess gives her directions as to who she is to kill). For her second victim had not the past that the Abbess was certain that he had. Sent by the Abbess to attend Duval at the Duchess’ court in Brittany, she is told to trust few yet always obey the commands of the Abbess and Chancellor Crunard (a liaison with the convent and chancellor to the Duchess). Through the course of the story, Ismae finds that she should not always go blindly off of the orders of others, and that she should trust herself. As intrigue closes in on the Duchess’ court, will Ismae be able to determine who she can trust and who will it be too late for?
Great book! The characters and story is so rich, I felt myself pulled in from the very first page. Cannot wait for the 2nd book (and I hope there will be a 3rd). Also, a great author website to go along with it that delves into the "His Fair Assassin" world even deeper. http://www.robinlafevers.com/ (less)
Sailor Twain introduces us to Twain, who is the Captain of a steam ship that sails up and down the Hudson River. Captain Twain worked for a Frenchman...moreSailor Twain introduces us to Twain, who is the Captain of a steam ship that sails up and down the Hudson River. Captain Twain worked for a Frenchman who owned the ship, Jacques-Henri. Jacques-Henri brought his troubled brother, Lafayette, on board to help run the company per his father’s request. Soon after Jacques-Henri began acting differently and then disappeared, and his death was ruled a suicide. Lafayette steps into his brother’s shoes and begins to run the company. Things are ran differently under Lafayette, but for the most part they continue to sail up and down the river (main difference is the attention that Lafayette pays to the women aboard the ship). Captain Twain finds a harpooned mermaid and takes her to his cabin to give her time to heal. He makes her promise not to sing to him so that he will not be held in her siren’s grip. While Twain continues to attempt to keep her presence secret, Lafayette is determined to have “seven loves” – that is sleep with and love seven women within the same period of time (not all at the same exact moment). Even though Twain has not heard the mermaid sing, he is obsessed with her, to the point of wanting to stay with the mermaid over being with his wife who is confined to a wheelchair and looking for a cure for her ailment. The story is truly unique and the intrigue and obsession set forth with the mermaid is a clever retelling of the classic mermaid story. If it were not for the blatantly sexual innuendos, the drawings showing the various couples in the act of sex and the nude drawings of not only the mermaids and the one of the man, I might consider it for my library. However, as anti-censorship as I am, I cannot condone having this book on my library shelves. Perhaps it would be better received in a public library for adults. (less)
Sophie knows loss. Two years ago, she became very ill and lost the ability to walk normally (she now has a very pronounced limp). During that time, sh...moreSophie knows loss. Two years ago, she became very ill and lost the ability to walk normally (she now has a very pronounced limp). During that time, she also lost her little sister, her mother, and her magical abilities. Now, two years later, she is finally entering society. Though she expects the stares, the whispers, and the pitying looks, never in her life did she truly think she would find both a best friend and someone who might actually care enough to marry her (without pity). Parthenope becomes her best friend and is always into mischief. Lord Woodbridge, Parthenope’s cousin, is the man of Sophie’s dreams. She has even found a mother-figure in dear Amélie who is mourning the loss of her husband, Papa’s best friend from school days, and staying with Sophie’s family for the time being. However, when someone begins to endanger the lives of the men who work for the War Department (including Papa) with magic, Sophie has to find her magic once more, else the whole fate of Europe might be changed and Bonaparte might truly be Emperor of all. Doyle does an excellent job of portraying Sophie as a girl facing all the issues any normal girl might have, yet allows her to find her inner-strength and know her self-worth. A wonderful tell of magic, love, and good being victorious over evil!(less)
Alethea Kontis magically weaves a single tale about some of our favorite fairy tales and folk tales. Sunday Woodcutter is a seventh daughter of a seve...moreAlethea Kontis magically weaves a single tale about some of our favorite fairy tales and folk tales. Sunday Woodcutter is a seventh daughter of a seventh daughter. She loves to put words to paper and spinning tales; however, they never tend to turn out how she meant them (and they always come true). Sunday turns to writing memoirs about her family. One day out in the wood she comes across an enchanted frog named Grumble. Grumble lives for Sunday's stories about her families. As they spend more time together, their feelings grow into love and Grumble (unknown to Sunday) turns back into his human form - a prince whom Sunday's family despises. Will they ever be able to be together? Will magic aid them or harm them? And what does a magic beanstalk, an ogre, a goose that lays golden egg, and twin sorceress' have to do with Sunday and Grumble living happily ever after? Read the book to find out. Suitable for grades 7+. Highly recommended.(less)
Emma is on a wonderful vacation in Florida with her best friend Chloe before their senior year begins. Chloe is out-going, athletic, and loves the wat...moreEmma is on a wonderful vacation in Florida with her best friend Chloe before their senior year begins. Chloe is out-going, athletic, and loves the water--all of which are Emma's opposite. Emma, ever the klutz, trips into Galen (the most handsome boy she has ever seen in her life. Emma and Chloe continue on to the water where Chloe coaxes her out into the surf, not knowing that tragedy awaits. Chloe is attacked by a shark and Emma tries to rescue her but fails; however, she is able to do something amazing - she tells the shark to go away and it simply does. Fast forward back home and the first day of her senior year. Emma is miserable, missing Chloe, feeling guilty for not being able to save her, and feeling very much alone. Then the mysterious Galen shows up at school. Galen knows what Emma is even though she does not. Emma is a direct descendent of the general Poseidon and has inherited the specific gift of talking to the sea creatures. Through the chapters of the book told alternately from Emma and Galen's point-of-view, you get to see Emma come to embrace who she is as well as the growing relationship between Emma and Galen. The secondary characters add to the richness of this twist on mer-creatures. The cliffhanger ending will have readers begging for more (which thankfully there will be with Of Triton in 2013. This YA book is great for grades 8+.(less)
Lauren DeStefano continues Rhine’s story with Fever. Just a little background, Rhine & the servant Gabriel had escaped Rhine’s husband, her remain...moreLauren DeStefano continues Rhine’s story with Fever. Just a little background, Rhine & the servant Gabriel had escaped Rhine’s husband, her remaining sister-wife, and her evil father-in-law. This book picks up with Rhine and Gabriel attempting to make their way to New York and Rhine’s brother Rowan. During the book they come across a macabre carnival that you can only imagine in a poorly written horror movie. The mistress of the carnival takes in the girls and pimps them out to the men that come calling. Somehow Rhine, Gabriel, and Maddie (a young mute girl who is malformed) manage to escape. They somehow make their way to New York only to find out that Rhine’s former home has been torched and her brother is missing. The trio end up at an orphanage where Rhine becomes deathly ill. Her father-in-law finds her and threatens to burn down the orphanage with everyone in it if she does not come home with him. The convolutedness of the story continues as she finds out her father-in-law has been using everyone he knows as experiments to find a cure for the disease, she finds out tracking devices have been planted in all the sister-wives, and Linden, Rhine’s husband is clueless to everything going on. DeStefano does write an excellent cliff-hanger in the last two sentences of the book, but I don’t know that it will be enough for me to read the third installment. (less)
Natalie Stewart is a mute girl in Victorian New York City. Her father is the curator of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and would do anything for his d...moreNatalie Stewart is a mute girl in Victorian New York City. Her father is the curator of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and would do anything for his daughter. Natalie wants to become involved in the acquisitions at the museum and becomes involved with a mysterious painting of a young Lord from England who had recently disappeared. When Natalie finds herself actually pulled into the paintings and talking with the very real and very trapped Lord, she becomes determined to find a way to save him from the very demon who has him trapped. As she falls deeper in love with him, she also falls deeper into danger and love with a man who man never be real again. First, I think the author did an excellent job of making the writing feel active even though the heroine is a mute. I loved the time period (Victorian New York) and the supernatural elements. Those of you interested in either one of these aspects or both will enjoy this book. Am pleased to find out there will be a sequel out in November! "The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart."(less)
Jasmine Kiss has had enough. She is tired of trying to be what her cardiologist father wants her to be. Jasmine is also tired of her father trying to...more Jasmine Kiss has had enough. She is tired of trying to be what her cardiologist father wants her to be. Jasmine is also tired of her father trying to keep her away from everything her mother loved -- the mother that left them when she was 6. Determined to do what she wants, Jasmine defers her entrance to Stanford University and drives into Santa Cruz in a smoking car (literally) to chase her dream - to be the lead guitarist in an Industrial Rock band. Short on money, a working car, and a job, Jasmine is solely relying on fate and a little bit of luck.
Jasmine plays (and lies-telling them she had played in front of a live crowd) her way into C-Side, an Industrial Rock band that just happens to have a room to rent as well. With her best friend, Jason, in Maui, enjoying the summer before college, Jasmine has no one to rely on but herself. Until that is the worst thing in the world happens - she freezes in a live performance. Jasmine finds out not everyone is against her and develops a close friendship with Veta and a little more with Veta's brother, Sean. Determined to prove her worth to the band and her father, Jasmine will fight until the end, but will it be enough?
This is a super cute little story to read. Has just the right amount of grit, determination, and romance. The language throughout the book is enough to keep it real for the average teen. I really enjoyed how Tara Kelly evolved Jasmine's character from someone who refused to rely on anyone and had a lot of emotional hang-ups to someone who found out that she could do what she had set out to do and it was all right to ask for help. In a time of dark stories, this is a lighter read that is sure to be enjoyed by many.
In the opening of the book, everyone thinks "Hercules's" life is perfect, except for the fact that his nationally acclaimed psychiatrist father has ju...moreIn the opening of the book, everyone thinks "Hercules's" life is perfect, except for the fact that his nationally acclaimed psychiatrist father has just died. At his father's funeral, he very publicly announces what a terrible father he really was, sending everyone who knew him into shock. Herc's mom ends up sending him to his father's estranged brother for the summer. His uncle assigns him 12 tasks, much like the real Hercules' 12 trials. While working through the tasks, he meets "unobtainable girl" who he has determined is the woman of his dreams. The book takes us hilariously through each of his trials and Hercules finds out more about his uncle, his father and his mother than he could have ever imagined.
Excellent read for guys and not incredibly long either. Super fun!(less)
Gaby Rodriguez is a young Hispanic woman who for her Senior project decided to do something personal to her. After coming from a long line of teen par...moreGaby Rodriguez is a young Hispanic woman who for her Senior project decided to do something personal to her. After coming from a long line of teen parents (wed and unwed), she wanted to show how teens were stereotyped when they became pregnant (or had a girlfriend that became pregnant). She succeeded in showing how you could be one of the top students in your class, maintain all your grades, but still be criticized and thought of as a failure by becoming pregnant (even though the pregnancy was a fake). Gaby hid the falseness of her pregnancy from all except a few select people and felt the repercussions from family members, her boyfriend’s parents, teachers and friends. She and the select few that knew her situation kept journals so that they could report their “findings” to the other students and faculty. What Gaby did was something of epic proportions and has had great ramifications, even though the pregnancy was false. Most supported what she did and was interested in knowing what her findings were. Others still found ways to condemn her. However, the most surprising was the media interest shown in Gaby and her project.
This book gets to the heart of a serious matter for teens. Gaby shows no condemnation for teen mothers (as many do) and attempts to show people that teen mothers can be successful with the right support. I would recommend this book to child development classes and any girl going through that phase in her life where she can only think that life would be better if she had a baby. Gaby gives a unique perspective as one of almost 10 siblings and all have had children as teens. (less)
Another book to add to your Dystopian collection! Kimberly Derting has carried over into Sci-Fi what she had done in Fantasy with The Body Finder Tri...more Another book to add to your Dystopian collection! Kimberly Derting has carried over into Sci-Fi what she had done in Fantasy with The Body Finder Trilogy. Charlie, short for Charlaina, has a problem. In a world where many languages are spoken you are only allowed to understand what your social class speaks upon penalty of death. Queen Sabara will not hesitate to kill to ensure that she keeps ruling Ladania in whatever way necessary. Charlie has much to fear, for she can understand all languages that are spoken and written, even those that she has never heard before. When a handsome young man enters her parents' restaurant, she can't seem to get him out of her mind. To escape the thoughts of Max, she and Brooklynn (one of her best friends) go to an underground club. Once they run into Max but then they also meet Xander, the leader of the rebel force.
Unknowingly, Charlie is pulled into a game of tug-of-war and has no idea who to trust. Are friends enemies and are enemies friends? When raids begin on the city Charlie and her younger sister are forced into hiding with Max never far away offering his protection. Who is he and why is he so interested in her? And what language is it that he speaks? When Charlie finds out that she is a descendant of the first royal family and that she is the only one that can take on Queen Sabara and end her reign, she wants nothing to do with it. She only wants to go about her life and protect her sister. Until Queen Sabara takes her parents and one of her best friend's, Aron, hostage. Then she must decide, will she sacrifice herself, or will she triumph over Queen Sabara?
The action in this novel really picks up in Part Two, but is well worth the wait. While there is some closure at the end, it also definitely leaves an opening for a continuation of the story, which there will be - The Essence coming out January 2013. (less)
**spoiler alert** This story continues Eugénie de Boncoeur's flight from France and arrival in England during the beginning of the French Revolution....more**spoiler alert** This story continues Eugénie de Boncoeur's flight from France and arrival in England during the beginning of the French Revolution. Louis XVI has been executed, Robespierre is running the government, and none of our major players are safe. Julien and Eugénie have arrived safely in Deal, England to mixed feelings. Eugénie is not certain as to how she will be received by the family she has only met one other time, especially her cousin Hetta, who is her age and shows an interest in Julien. When Guy Deschamps mysteriously appears in England as well, Eugénie knows that she must not let Julien know that he is there. Begging Hetta for her assistance she does all she possibly can to keep the two men that so distrust each other away from each other.
Hetta is an entity to herself. She is very aware of politics and the plights of others and longs to be able to support a cause like the one going on in France. Eugénie tries to tell her that change is not as romantic as some would have you think it is, but cannot seem to make her understand. Hetta meets Guy on his very first night in England, and is instantly attracted to him, not knowing that he is connected to her newly arrived cousin.
As time passes, Eugénie becomes increasingly jealous of Hetta and Julien's closeness. She also makes a stunning discovery in regards to Guy and finds that perhaps she has been too trusting of certain people. Belle, her former landlord and friend, writes her that Armand, her brother, is in jail, arrested as a traitor and awaiting to be taken in front of the tribunal and sentenced to execution. Le Fantôme, Eugénie's enemy and thwarted betrothed offers her a chance at saving Armand--return to France and marry him and he will see that Armand is released. When Julien unexpectedly leaves England, Eugénie runs into an old friend from France. Soon, by accident, Eugénie and Hetta find themselves sailing across the English Channel in a hot air balloon. From there the chase is on and they are only saved by Chouans, which is a group of rebels that are opposed to Robespierre and his group.
Will Eugénie be forced to marry Le Fantôme? Is Guy an enemy or a friend? Will Armand be rescued before the same fate is visited on him that was King Louis XVI? Will Julien be able to save his love? And will Hetta find her passion in the revolution? This book and the one before it has done a wonderful job in bringing the French Revolution to life from so many points-of-view. The author has done a great job with historical detail and merging the fictional characters with the real-life groups and people involved. This is a great book and is recommended for those who love historical books.(less)
**spoiler alert** Eugénie de Boncoeur is the heroine in this story that is centered around the origins of the French Revolution. Eugénie is an orphan...more**spoiler alert** Eugénie de Boncoeur is the heroine in this story that is centered around the origins of the French Revolution. Eugénie is an orphan along with her brother Armand, who have been left in the care of a guardian. The guardian promises Le Fantôme, her deceased father's arch enemy and known as The Pale Assassin, that he shall marry Eugénie upon her sixteenth birthday. Unable to stop the wheels of fate, Armand continues his studies to become a lawyer, while Eugénie is sent to an abbey finishing school.
The unrest continues within Paris as the poor continue to become poorer. Robespierre with the help of Le Fantôme helps to inflame the people towards the clergy as well. Eugénie is the only girl left in the abbey when it is attacked by peasants. One of the nuns assists her in escaping the angry horde. Not very far from the destroyed abbey, Guy Deschamps, one of her brother's friends happens to be in the area and comes across Eugénie and offers her a ride to her brother. Eugénie finds herself attracted to the barrister.
Unable to send Eugénie to their guardian, and wanting to keep her away from Le Fantôme, Armand rents a room from her with a well-known seamstress, Belle, who has fallen on hard times because of the revolution and the exodus of Aristocrats from Paris. While living with Belle and the other tenants, Eugénie's eyes begin to open to the plights of the lower classes. She also becomes increasingly concerned about her brother's safety. While her brother, and his irritating friend Julien de Fortin, are supportive of a new constitution for France, they also are Royalists who see that the King and the constitution can work together.
Armand and Julien become suspicious of Guy, but Eugénie refuse to listen to their concerns seeing only that Guy is their friend and trustworthy. The situation becomes increasingly alarming as assassination attempts are made on both Julien and Armand. When the boy's rescue attempt of the King is foiled, they find their lives are truly in danger. The Queen passes Armand a note to save them and he finds it his personal mission to save the Queen and the children. Refusing to give up his plans, he sends Julien to escort Eugénie to England and their uncle under assumed names.
During the dangerous trip to Calais, they are chased the entire way. Along the way the two find out that friends are enemies and enemies are friends. The book ends with Armand being arrested and named as a traitor and Eugénie and Julien in the English Channel sailing towards England, having just escaped Le Fantôme, and declaring that they have feelings forever.
**spoiler alert** Lochan (18) and Maya (16 – almost 17) are a brother and sister forced to raise their younger siblings because their father has run o...more**spoiler alert** Lochan (18) and Maya (16 – almost 17) are a brother and sister forced to raise their younger siblings because their father has run off with another woman and their mother is an alcoholic that cares more for her current lover than her children. Lochan and Maya spend their days getting their siblings off to school, going to school themselves, and then taking over the parental duties in the evening. Willa and Tiffin, the younger of the three remaining siblings are mostly happy with Lochan and Maya taking care of them and only seeing their mother occasionally. Kit; the elder of the three younger children resents not having a true father and the fact that Lochan tries to dictate what he does. The situation throws the two into an intimacy that should never be thought of for siblings. The true catalyst that reveals their unnatural feelings for each other is Maya’s date with another boy. Lochan tries to be supportive and happy that she has found someone, but questions her when she gets home. Instead of letting the boy kiss her, Maya cannot, because her thoughts and feelings are captured only by Lochan. That night they share their first kiss, which is in no way familial. The book, told in alternating first-person between Lochan and Maya explores their feelings for each other.
The remainder of the story is filled with heavy petting sessions between the two older children. Two weeks shy of her 17th birthday, Lochan and Maya physically show their love for each other. Their mother unexpectedly comes home and calls the police. Kit had called his mother home early in retaliation for Lochan not allowing him to do something, not realizing the severity of what would happen and what his mother would do. Lochan instructs Maya to tell everyone that he forced her. She agrees, but after he is taken to the police station for questioning she gives her statement that it was consensual and instigated by her (which is the truth). Lochan is taken to holding cell, where he determines that the only way to protect the entire family is to remove himself from the picture. He prepares a make-shift noose from the sheet and hangs himself. The Epilogue of the book shows Maya and the other children preparing for Lochan’s funeral. Maya slips a butcher knife into her purse and is going to go to the park (one of her and Lochan’s first places to be together) and kill herself. Luckily the younger children, especially Willa, turn to her for guidance, assistance and love. She discreetly puts the knife back in the drawer making a silent promise to Lochan that she will continue on for now.
I have a lot of issues with this story. First and foremost is the mother is never held responsible for her actions in this sad scenario. While I understand that no one wants the family torn apart, there comes a time when one must sit back and analyze what is going to be best for everyone. Everyone (the boyfriend, Lochan, and Maya) covers up the mothers drinking habit and her basically not being a mother. Second, the comparison to V.C. Andrews’ The Flowers in the Attic. In that particular book, the children were hidden away from society for years and new nothing of life outside that little room. In this book, they go to school, they have relationships with other students and adults, and still make the conscious choice to be together. I am not so naïve to not think that this happens every day, and perhaps the story even needs to be told, I just do not know that that the audience it was written for will appreciate it.
Juliette is a 17-year-old girl with a problem. Well, several problems:
1. She has been tested, prodded and observed for the last 3 years. 2. She has no...moreJuliette is a 17-year-old girl with a problem. Well, several problems:
1. She has been tested, prodded and observed for the last 3 years. 2. She has no idea where her parents are. 3. She has not spoken or seen another human being in almost a year - since they locked her in her cell in the asylum. 4. She has not touched another human being since she accidentally killed that little boy almost four years ago.
Juliette has a power, a power that she would love to get rid of, a power that is more a curse than anything. She can drain a person's life force just by touching them. Everything changes the day she gets a cell mate. Adam. Adam, the boy she has been in love with since they were in middle school. The boy that she thought did not know who she was. The boy who would give his life for her if necessary. The boy who could touch her when no one else can. The boy who is a soldier for the Reestablishment.
Warner, the second-in-command of the Reestablishment, wants Juliette for her ability. He sees her as a powerful weapon that he can use to advance the cause and get rid of those who stand in their way. Juliette knows that she retains some modicum of control because Warner cannot touch her, until the unthinkable happens and in a daring escape he touches her and remains unarmed. Now everything has changed. The stakes are higher and Juliette and Adam are unsure who they can trust and what is truth and what is fiction.
This is a compelling Dystopian book that leaves you on the edge of your seat and wishing the second book was already out so you can continue on with the story.
Emma has been in foster care almost her entire life. Her mother, Becky left her, which to Emma was worse than knowing she was dead – to not be wanted....moreEmma has been in foster care almost her entire life. Her mother, Becky left her, which to Emma was worse than knowing she was dead – to not be wanted. When her foster brother shows his mother a video of a girl who looks just like Emma, titled “SuttoninAZ”, being strangled in the desert, Emma’s life turns upside down. Then he accuses her of stealing money from his mother. Not believing in her innocence, the foster mom tells her that on her 18th birthday (in 2 weeks) she is going to have to move out of the house. Emma finds the video herself and watches it over and over, hardly believing what she sees. Her mom had always done spooky things, like buy her two of everything. Could she have a twin that her mother had given up for adoption? Emma, via the Internet, is able to find out where Sutton lives, contacts her, packs her bags and heads out on a bus to Arizona. When she arrives at the meeting spot, no one is there. One of Sutton’s friend’s finds her and escorts her to a party calling her “Sutton” and Emma loses her identification and bag she brought with her. Emma attempts to tell Sutton’s parents and the police both that her name is Emma. Sutton is her sister and she fears she has been murdered. No one believes her. There is more to Sutton than Emma knows. Sutton and her friends had created “The Lying Game” which involved trying to out prank each other, which is what the desert scene was. Emma tries to escape, but receives death threats and notes that she should keep pretending to be Sutton or she will die too. The only one that realizes she isn’t Sutton is Ethan, a loner who actually likes Sutton for herself (not even Sutton’s boyfriend can tell the difference). While Emma tries to find out what happened to her sister, Sutton’s spirit follows her with very little memories of her life and wanting to know just as badly who killed her. Leaves you with a lot of unanswered questions that will definitely be continued in further books.
The story focuses on Team Salamanca and the fight against the Cursed Ones (vampires). The Cursed Ones appear to be taking over the world with very few...moreThe story focuses on Team Salamanca and the fight against the Cursed Ones (vampires). The Cursed Ones appear to be taking over the world with very few humans putting up a fight. Team Salamanca is making journeys all over the world attempting to aid other resistance cells. During their joining with two remaining members of the team in Russia, the group takes on one of the lead Cursed Ones – Dontanio. Dontanio is the Dr. Frankenstein of the Cursed Ones, creating hybrids that are made up of vampires, werewolves and humans, which is a much harder race to defeat. They are stronger, can stay out in the sunlight, and much more difficult to kill. During the course of the book, each team member reveals that they have secrets that they are hiding from the others. There are many dramatic and sometimes gory fight scenes between the team and the Cursed Ones, and not everyone survives. The ending leaves you wanting to read the third book in the trilogy to find out what happens to everyone and who will be the victors.
This book was very difficult for me to read at first. In the first 138 pages, approximately 15 of that had dialogue. I was afraid that the kids would not get into it for that reason, but it really starts to pick up. The way the book is written is in various points of view from both the team members and the Cursed Ones. I also think I missed a lot by not reading the first book (Crusade).
This book focuses on the lives of three young women: Queen Temperance, Princess Wisdom (Dizzy), and Fortitude (Trudy).
Queen Temperance is a young w...more This book focuses on the lives of three young women: Queen Temperance, Princess Wisdom (Dizzy), and Fortitude (Trudy).
Queen Temperance is a young woman with the weight of a Queendom on her shoulder and only wants to be left alone with her plants. Her little sister, Princess Wisdom, wins the devotion of Temperance's suitor, Roger, who is a Duke in a neighboring country. Temperance agrees to Roger's marriage proposal due to fondness but more importantly for the adventure that awaits her. Along the way, the traveling party becomes sick and acquires a new maid, Fortitude, to serve as lady-in-waiting. Throughout the story, there is Nona Ben (the grandmother of Temperance and Wisdom), who is holding everything together.
Trudy has been in love with her best friend Tips, for years. He left their little town to be trained as a soldier so that he would not have to work the family business at the mill. Trudy finds out that he will be in Froglock, where Duke Roger lives, and agrees to accompany Nona Ben and Dizzy as a lady-in-waiting. Once they arrive, their lives seem to unravel. Dizzy questions her feelings for Roger, especially after meeting a daring acrobatic that sweeps her off her feet. Trudy loves Tips, only to realize that he is the acrobat that has swept Dizzy off her feet and vice versa. And then there is Roger's mother, the evil Wilhelmina, that will do anything she can to see her son become ruler of not only Froglock, but also Montagne, Queen Temperance's country.
Through cunning plots, sacrifice, and quite a bit of magic, Dizzy is saved from a loveless marriage. Trudy finds out that letting someone else have happiness is the truest form of happiness. And most importantly that finding one's roots can lead to the greatest happiness of all.
This story is told through letters, a privately published story, encyclopedia articles, diary excerpts, and a play. The story has just the right amount of love, adventure, and villainy. Those that are fans of fairytales will enjoy this story. (less)
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